"This above all: to thine own self be true" ~ Shakespeare

This past weekend(July 28 & 29) I attended a prestigious business course in New York City specifically designed for entertainers and entertainment companies. This course has been taught all over the country to some of the most hip and hottest actors, singers, musicians, and talent agencies in the industry. Just being a part of this program was overwhelming and humbling. It teaches you how to be your genuine self as an actor/singer/musician and market yourself as a business. I attended the program both as an actor/singer and an entertainment company. I want to figure out where I fit in the 'biz' as a performer and the REASON, PURPOSE, and STRATEGY for my company: Star of the Day Event Productions.

The first thing we had to do was get up in front of the class, state our name, and stand there...for 45 seconds...without saying a word. I bet you are wondering what the rest of the class was doing. They were judging me based on my first impression. I'm proud to say the way the class perceived me was, for the most part, the way I want to be perceived. Sunny, happy, silly, fun, cute, and someone they could call a friend. Now someone also called me a bitch and a gnome so I think I may contact Travelocity and see if they have room for a new spokesperson. I'll be the traveling bitchy gnome. Make several thousand dollars and go on vacations. Or will I? No! I won't...because I'm not bitchy or a gnome. (Snide comments about my 5' frame inserted here). I AM, however, sunny, happy, silly, fun, cute, and someone you CAN call a friend.

We also talked a lot about core values, and how our core values, even though they are internal and hidden, can come across upon first impressions. I try to live my life with faith and love. I believe having faith in God and in yourself brings about love. And I truly believe love DOES make the world go 'round. And getting feedback from strangers reinforced that for me.

What does this have to do with being real and genuine? EVERYTHING!

We spend so much time trying to fit the image of what others want us to be. We try to be the round peg attempting to fit into a square hole. We cannot do it. It's impossible. I'm guilty of it. We all are to some extent. And it's ok. Because YOU are in control of YOU. And you can change you at anytime. So what are your core values? Who do you want the world to see? Figure it out and be that person 100% of the time. And guess what? Some people won't like you and it's ok. That just means they are not your people. FIND YOUR PEOPLE!

Our support system is the most important thing in our lives. They believe in you, respect your core values, and accept you for who you are in life. They don't want you to be anyone else. THOSE ARE YOUR PEOPLE!

The instructors in the course talked a lot about the book: PURPLE COW (I'll be purchasing it this week.) It's all about finding out how your REMARKABLE fits in the world. Why look like every other cow when you can be the purple cow. The one that stands out. The one that is remarkable.

We are all remarkable and we need to stop our inner voices along with outsiders who know nothing about our core values or us from letting us think any differently. Embrace yourself. Love who you are. Be genuine. Be real. Walk into a room and let everyone know that WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET?

It's then that magic happens. It's then when your visual dreams become reality. It's then when you can fully live the life you should be living.

You my beautiful purple friend are remarkable! Always be true to you is something I tell my kids, my family, my friends and clients. You are one of the most generous and genuine people I've ever met and blessed to know you! Keep on keeping on!!!

Reply

Maria

8/6/2012 10:54:46 pm

Great Article! What great insight. Must put Purple Cow on my bucket list of books to read.